One of the most important things you can do when thinking of re-designing a space is to create a Design Board. This will allow you to get all of your ideas in one place and make sure that all of the elements will be cohesive. The process is relatively simple and Ikea has created a nice article to walk you through the process. They also point out the difference between a design board and an inspiration board.
You have two options when creating your board, you can do a tangible board with real finish samples and fabrics or a virtual board which consists solely of pictures of the finish samples. Either way you choose will give you a good starting place to practice your design ideas before jumping in and throwing paint on the walls.
Some good things to include on your board
- An overall picture of your ideal space, what is the feeling you want to achieve- sleek and clean, warm and cozy, organized and functional, etc.
- Paint colors and samples. Also consider paint finishes such as faux, whitewashing, stippling, etc.
- Architectural details like crown moulding or special trim work
- Fabric swatches in both neutrals and accent colors
- Lighting fixtures
- Furniture and furniture placement
- Accent pieces such as lamps, vases, plants, and other individual details
- Finish samples such as tile, flooring material, wallpaper, etc.
